Mount St. Joseph University Theatre Arts production of The Oregon Trail is currently playing at the Williams Recital Hall. The Oregon Trail follows the life of Jane as she navigates the then and now.
The Story
It’s 1997. Alone in her computer lab, 13-year-old Jane finds her escape from the awkward throes of puberty by joining her sister and her unattainable high school crush in a covered wagon headed west on “The Oregon Trail.” Under the guidance of the all-powerful Voice of the Game, we watch “Then Jane” and her family navigate the deadly perils of 1850s frontier life, while present day Jane navigates the different but all-too-real dangers of high school, college, and eventually adulthood.
Jane soon finds herself in her 20s, unemployed and battling an undefinable lifelong sadness she cannot name, even as “Then Jane” continues to face the tribulations of the trail. With nearly two centuries between them, both Janes face hardships that seem impossible to overcome—until they find one another.
Performances
Zoe Niebaber’s performance as Jane gives a great depiction of the trials and tribulations that all preteens experience. She flows beautifully into navigating those same trials throughout adulthood.
A crowd favorite is Ryan Palmisano as the teen heartthrob, Billy, who soon turns out the be the stereotype of a jock that peaks in high school. (A large group of audience members very quickly became his fan club, and let their feelings be known each time Palmisano graced the stage.)
A personal favorite moment in the show is the short but memorable performance of Zachary Young as Matt, who gives the crew supplies for their journey. The comical and canned laughter Young gives is both hysterical and ominous for the journey that lays ahead.
Leadership
This performances take place in the Williams Recital Hall rather than the University Theatre, creating a different experience for the designers and production crew. With a blank canvas and what I can only imagine is little to no wing space, this team is still able to create a captivating production for the audience and actors alike. It is clear that the Theatre Director and Director of this production, Lauren Carr has a passion for the arts that she has instilled in each student. This passion will surely take the program to new heights and bring exciting new productions in the future!
From left to right: Connor Curtin (Clancy), Sarah Barton (Mary Anne), Elizabeth Keller (Then Jane) in Mount St. Joseph University’s production of The Oregon Trail.
Overall
This production gives a journey back in time to the much beloved game, “Oregon Trail,” that will allow millennial audiences to reminisce on their younger years. On top of the nostalgia factor, we are met with important issues that many face in their adulthood.
Tickets to The Oregon Trail
The Oregon Trail runs through November 16th 2024 at the Williams Recital Hall on Mount St. Joseph University’s campus located at 5701 Delhi Rd Cincinnati, OH 45233. Tickets can be purchased online at https://msjtheatre.booktix.com/dept/Theatre/e/Oregon
